Britain’s rich heritage in craftsmanship and design has given rise to numerous iconic brands that epitomize quality and timeless style. From luxury fashion houses to esteemed shoemakers, these brands have significantly influenced global fashion and lifestyle.
Here, we explore 15 classic British brands that have stood the test of time.
1. Floris London
Established in 1730 by Juan Famenias Floris and his wife Elizabeth, Floris London began as a barbershop and perfumery at 89 Jermyn Street, London.
Renowned for crafting bespoke fragrances for high society, Floris quickly earned royal warrants, serving distinguished figures like Sir Winston Churchill and author Ian Fleming. Today, it remains synonymous with luxury perfumery, offering a range of exquisite scents.
2. Albert Thurston
“I had gone straight to my tailor on Savile Row and purchased half a dozen pairs of Thurston braces in case they might be in short supply.”
– Sir Ralph Richardson, 1939 (WWII)
Founded in 1820, Albert Thurston is celebrated for producing high-quality suspenders. Gaining acclaim at the 1851 Great Exhibition in London, their suspenders have been worn by royalty, dignitaries, and successful businessmen worldwide, symbolising British elegance and craftsmanship.
Albert Thurston established his eponymous brand in the early 19th century, initially as a tailor and fine accessory maker. In 1820, he introduced the first pair of braces, and his name soon became synonymous with exceptional quality in this particular product. At the Great Exhibition in Hyde Park, London, in 1851, Albert Thurston received an Honourable Mention for the outstanding standard of his products. Since then, the brand has remained committed to maintaining that high standard, updating its designs only to incorporate advancements such as flatter metal adjusters and elastic materials to reduce strain on brace buttons.
Over the past two centuries, Albert Thurston’s braces have been worn by a distinguished clientele, including kings, princes, presidents, businessmen, and film stars. While the accessory’s general popularity has varied over time, Albert Thurston has remained a constant due to its dedication to producing a product that is unquestionably best in class. Whether for a formal occasion, daily comfort to prevent your trousers from slipping, or simply to stay ahead of emerging trends (yes, braces are making a comeback), Albert Thurston offers a solution of enduring quality.
Fun fact
The British vs. American English Debate
While many assume that “suspenders” and “braces” are interchangeable terms, the two words have distinct meanings in British and American English. In British English, “braces” refer to the garment known in American English as “suspenders.” Conversely, in British terminology, “suspenders” denotes a garter belt, traditionally used to hold up stockings.
A catalogue from the 1870s demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail
3. Fox Umbrellas
In 1868, during the reign of Queen Victoria, Mr. Thomas Fox established a shop in the City of London, specialising in the creation and sale of meticulously crafted whalebone-framed silk umbrellas.
A significant development occurred in the 1880s with the introduction of a stainless steel umbrella mechanism, invented by Mr. Samuel Fox (unrelated to Thomas Fox). By replacing the traditional whalebone frame with a steel frame, Mr. Fox created a stronger, lighter, and more durable umbrella, thus marking the birth of the modern umbrella.
As a result, the company’s reputation and standing grew considerably over the following decades, and by the 1930s, Fox Umbrellas began exporting to Japan, the USA, and various other international markets.
Among the company’s many notable achievements, one of the most groundbreaking was the creation of the first nylon umbrella. During World War II, while engaged in the production of parachute flares, Fox realised the potential of using nylon—a newly developed fabric—over the traditional silk. This innovation led to the introduction of the first nylon-covered umbrella in 1947 at the “Britain Can Make It” Exhibition at Crystal Palace in London.
Since its inception, the company has built a distinguished reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and skill, with its umbrellas being made for some of the world’s most prestigious stores and individuals, including royalty, presidents, and prime ministers.
The process of making Fox Umbrellas has evolved very little over time. To maintain the high standards required, the company still relies on the expertise of skilled hand-workers rather than machines. Today, Fox Umbrellas Ltd. continues to uphold its legacy of excellence, with quality and attention to detail remaining the hallmark of the brand.
4. Barbour
Barbour, a distinguished British brand renowned for its high-quality outdoor wear, was established in 1894 by John Barbour in South Shields, a coastal town in northeast England. Initially focusing on supplying protective garments for fishermen and sailors, Barbour’s reputation for durable, weather-resistant clothing quickly grew. The brand’s signature waxed cotton jackets, developed in the early 20th century, became synonymous with British countryside style, offering exceptional protection against the harsh elements.
By the mid-20th century, Barbour had expanded its offerings to include a range of outerwear suitable for hunting, equestrian pursuits, and country life, solidifying its position as a key supplier of functional yet stylish apparel. The brand became a favoured choice among the British aristocracy and rural communities alike, with its jackets being particularly popular in hunting and shooting circles.
In the 1980s, Barbour reached a broader audience, thanks in part to its adoption by fashion-conscious city dwellers, who embraced its timeless, practical style. Over the years, the brand has maintained its commitment to quality craftsmanship, blending traditional methods with modern design to produce a range of clothing that is both functional and stylish.
Today, Barbour remains a family-owned business, famed for its continued dedication to British heritage and craftsmanship. Its iconic waxed jackets, alongside its expansive range of outdoor clothing and accessories, ensure that the brand’s legacy endures as a symbol of both practicality and elegance in the British countryside and beyond.
Read more: Best Barbour Jackets for Men
5. John Lobb Bootmaker
John Lobb, established in 1866, is a renowned British luxury footwear brand with a rich history steeped in craftsmanship and tradition. Originally founded by its namesake, John Lobb, in the heart of London, the brand quickly gained a reputation for its bespoke, hand-crafted leather boots and shoes, which became a symbol of refined taste and exceptional quality.
The brand’s commitment to excellence in shoemaking was recognised early on, and in 1902, John Lobb was granted a Royal Warrant as shoemakers to the Prince of Wales, further cementing its status as a purveyor of the finest footwear. This prestigious recognition allowed the brand to expand its reach and clientele, including prominent figures from the worlds of politics, fashion, and high society.
The original bespoke workshop at 9 St James’s Street in London remains family-owned and continues to operate independently under the name John Lobb Limited. In 1976, the French branch of the business was acquired by the Hermès Group, which has since expanded the John Lobb ready-to-wear shoe brand internationally. Despite the acquisition, both companies continue to uphold their commitment to bespoke shoemaking, with the Lobb family’s workshop in London and the Hermès-owned workshop in Paris maintaining the brand’s distinguished tradition of craftsmanship.
Today, John Lobb is celebrated for its masterful blend of timeless design and modern elegance, producing both bespoke and ready-to-wear collections. With a reputation for producing shoes that are as durable as they are luxurious, John Lobb continues to uphold its legacy as one of the world’s foremost bootmakers, attracting discerning clients from around the globe.
6. Drake’s
Drake’s, established in 1977, is a distinguished British haberdashery and luxury menswear brand renowned for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Originally founded by Michael Drake in the heart of London, the company initially focused on producing fine ties, scarves, and pocket squares, drawing on a deep-rooted tradition of British textile expertise. With an emphasis on understated elegance and meticulous attention to detail, Drake’s quickly became known for its superior fabrics and timeless designs, gaining a loyal following among discerning clients.
In the years following its founding, Drake’s expanded its offerings to include a full range of accessories, including shirts, outerwear, and leather goods, all of which adhere to the brand’s ethos of combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design sensibilities. The company’s dedication to quality has led it to work with some of the finest mills and fabric producers in the UK and Italy, ensuring that each piece reflects the highest standards of sartorial excellence.
Today, Drake’s continues to maintain its reputation for understated luxury, with a global presence in select high-end retailers and its own flagship store in London. The brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, along with its refined and timeless aesthetic, has solidified its position as a leading name in the world of luxury menswear and accessories.
7. Sunspel
Sunspel, founded in 1860, is a quintessential British luxury brand renowned for its heritage in producing high-quality, timeless clothing. Established by Thomas A. Hill in Nottingham, the company initially specialised in fine cotton underwear, rapidly gaining a reputation for its superior craftsmanship and comfort. Sunspel’s commitment to using the finest materials, particularly long-staple cotton, allowed the brand to carve a distinct niche in the burgeoning British textile industry.
Throughout the 20th century, Sunspel expanded its product range to include a variety of everyday essentials, from casual wear to knitwear, all characterised by understated elegance and exceptional quality. The brand became particularly renowned for its iconic t-shirts, which have since become staples of both casual and luxury wardrobes.
In the 1990s, Sunspel was revitalised under new ownership, with a focus on maintaining its legacy of high-quality craftsmanship while embracing contemporary design. The brand’s commitment to preserving traditional British manufacturing techniques, paired with its dedication to modern aesthetics, has helped it maintain its reputation as one of the most respected names in British fashion.
Today, Sunspel continues to produce a wide range of refined clothing, from luxury basics to more tailored pieces, all made in the UK and sold globally. The brand remains a symbol of quality, comfort, and timeless British style.
8. Turnbull & Asser
Turnbull & Asser, founded in 1885, is a distinguished British luxury menswear brand renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and heritage in shirtmaking. Established in London by Harry Asser and Ernest Turner, the company quickly became renowned for producing bespoke shirts of the highest quality, with a focus on superior fabrics, precision tailoring, and understated elegance.
Over the years, Turnbull & Asser built a reputation for outfitting some of the most notable figures in British society, including royalty, politicians, and celebrities. The brand’s association with elegance and sophistication was further cemented through its iconic shirts worn by actors such as Sean Connery in the James Bond films.
In addition to its celebrated shirts, Turnbull & Asser expanded its offerings to include luxury menswear accessories, including ties, cufflinks, and suiting, all crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to quality. Known for its use of fine fabrics, often sourced from the best mills in Italy and England, the brand’s products combine traditional techniques with contemporary style.
Today, Turnbull & Asser remains one of the foremost names in British tailoring, with a global presence and a continued dedication to bespoke service and unparalleled craftsmanship. The brand’s legacy of sartorial excellence and its enduring appeal to distinguished clients ensure its place as a symbol of British luxury and refined style.
9. Lock & Co. Hatters
Lock & Co. Hatters, established in 1676, is the world’s oldest hat shop and a quintessential British institution renowned for its tradition of fine craftsmanship and sartorial excellence. Founded by Robert Lock in the heart of London, the brand initially gained recognition for its bespoke hats, which quickly became a hallmark of British fashion and sophistication.
Over the centuries, Lock & Co. has crafted hats for a distinguished clientele, including royalty, military personnel, and notable figures from the worlds of politics, fashion, and the arts. The brand’s reputation for excellence was solidified in 1797 when it was granted a Royal Warrant to supply hats to King George III, an honour that marked the beginning of a long-standing association with the British monarchy.
Lock & Co. became particularly famous for its top hats and bowler hats, with the latter gaining iconic status after being popularised by British gentleman and, famously, the character of Charlie Chaplin. The brand’s commitment to quality and attention to detail has remained unwavering, with each hat being meticulously crafted by skilled artisans using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
Today, Lock & Co. Hatters continues to uphold its heritage, offering a wide range of finely made hats, from formal headwear to more casual styles, all crafted with the same dedication to quality that has defined the brand for over 340 years. Its iconic Mayfair shop remains a symbol of British craftsmanship and luxury, attracting clients from around the world who seek the timeless elegance and unparalleled expertise that Lock & Co. represents.
10. Smythson
Smythson, established in 1887, is a distinguished British brand known for its heritage in luxury leather goods. Originally founded by Frank Smythson, the brand quickly gained a reputation for producing exquisitely crafted stationery, diaries, and leather accessories. Smythson’s commitment to superior craftsmanship and timeless design has attracted a loyal clientele, including European royalty and high-profile individuals worldwide.
The brand has long been recognised for its dedication to creating functional yet luxurious products, blending traditional techniques with innovative designs. Today, Smythson continues to embody British luxury, offering a wide range of bespoke leather goods and accessories.
11. Asprey
Asprey, founded in 1781, is a prestigious British luxury goods brand renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and heritage in fine jewellery, watches, leather goods, and home accessories. Established in London by William Asprey, the brand initially focused on creating high-quality leather items and stationery, quickly earning a reputation for its attention to detail and excellence.
Over the centuries, Asprey expanded its offerings to include silverware, fine jewellery, and watches, gaining the patronage of British royalty and other distinguished figures. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Asprey became synonymous with luxury, becoming the go-to purveyor of bespoke creations for the elite. The brand has held several Royal Warrants, solidifying its status as a symbol of British refinement and sophistication.
Today, Asprey continues to embody British luxury, combining its rich heritage with contemporary design to create timeless pieces that are both functional and exquisite. With flagship stores in London and international presence, the brand remains a beacon of elegance and quality, offering meticulously crafted pieces that cater to an elite global clientele.
12. Dunhill
Dunhill, founded in 1893 by Alfred Dunhill, is a renowned British luxury brand celebrated for its fine craftsmanship and sophisticated designs. Initially established as a saddlery shop, Dunhill quickly pivoted to the production of high-quality leather goods and motoring accessories, catering to the growing demand from the emerging automotive market.
The brand’s first major success came with the introduction of the “motoring accessories” line, which included leather goods, driving gloves, and elegant car accessories, earning Dunhill a reputation for both style and practicality.
By the early 20th century, Dunhill expanded its offerings to include luxury menswear, fine tobacco products, and an iconic range of smoking accessories, particularly the Dunhill pipe, which became synonymous with refinement and elegance. The brand further solidified its position in the world of luxury with its pioneering designs in men’s fashion, including tailored suits and accessories that blended tradition with innovation.
Over the decades, Dunhill has maintained its commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and timeless British style. Today, the brand continues to offer a wide range of luxury goods, from fine leather accessories and clothing to bespoke fragrances and watches. With a rich history intertwined with British aristocracy and a global presence, Dunhill remains a symbol of understated luxury, catering to a discerning clientele that values both tradition and modern sophistication.
13. Burberry
Burberry, founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry in Basingstoke, Hampshire, is a distinguished British luxury fashion brand renowned for its timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation. Initially established as a small drapery store, Burberry gained prominence with the invention of gabardine, a weatherproof fabric that revolutionised outerwear and became synonymous with the brand.
Burberry’s early success was built on its commitment to quality and functionality, with its iconic trench coat becoming a symbol of British style during World War I, worn by officers and later becoming a staple in civilian wardrobes.
By the mid-20th century, Burberry’s signature check pattern, introduced in the 1920s, became one of the most recognisable design motifs in fashion, further solidifying the brand’s position in the luxury market. The company expanded its product range to include men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, along with a variety of accessories, fragrances, and footwear, all characterised by British heritage and refined style.
In the 21st century, Burberry has embraced modernity while staying true to its legacy, combining traditional British tailoring with contemporary design. Under the creative direction of designers such as Christopher Bailey and Riccardo Tisci, Burberry has evolved into a global fashion powerhouse, known for its innovative approach to luxury and digital marketing.
Today, Burberry continues to be a symbol of British luxury and sophistication, offering a wide range of high-end clothing and accessories, with a strong presence in both established markets and emerging global regions. The brand’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and heritage ensures its enduring appeal as a quintessential British fashion house.
14. Mulberry
Mulberry, founded in 1971 by Roger Saul in Somerset, England, is a distinguished British luxury brand known for its exceptional leather goods and accessories. The company initially gained recognition with the launch of its first product, a leather bag, and quickly established a reputation for producing high-quality, stylish accessories crafted with the finest materials.
Mulberry’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation propelled the brand to the forefront of British fashion, with its iconic handbags becoming symbols of British luxury.
In the 1980s, Mulberry’s signature style evolved, marked by the introduction of its iconic ‘Alexa’ bag in 2009, named after British style icon Alexa Chung. This product solidified Mulberry’s position as a leading name in the luxury handbag market, renowned for both its timeless design and practical functionality. The brand continued to expand its offerings, introducing ready-to-wear collections, footwear, and accessories, all characterised by sophisticated yet contemporary British style.
Throughout its history, Mulberry has maintained its commitment to sustainability and innovation, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. The brand is known for sourcing the finest leather from British tanneries and for its dedication to ethical practices in manufacturing.
Today, Mulberry continues to be a symbol of British craftsmanship and luxury, with a strong global presence and an enduring legacy in the fashion industry. With its timeless designs, commitment to quality, and dedication to innovation, Mulberry remains one of the foremost names in British luxury fashion.
15. Globe-Trotter
Globe-Trotter, founded in 1897 by David Nelken in Hackney, London, is a prestigious British luxury luggage brand renowned for its craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. Originally established as a small workshop, Globe-Trotter quickly earned a reputation for producing high-quality, durable travel trunks and suitcases.
The brand’s signature use of vulcanised fibreboard, a strong yet lightweight material, revolutionised the luggage industry and set Globe-Trotter apart from its competitors.
In the early 20th century, Globe-Trotter became the luggage of choice for the elite, with its products being favoured by royalty, aristocrats, and explorers. The brand’s iconic trunks were used on expeditions and long voyages, symbolising both luxury and practicality. Globe-Trotter’s products were also featured in prominent films and became a symbol of elegance and sophistication.
Over the decades, Globe-Trotter has remained committed to traditional craftsmanship, with each piece still hand-crafted in the UK by skilled artisans using time-honoured techniques. While the brand’s classic designs continue to evoke a sense of British heritage, Globe-Trotter has expanded its range to include modern luggage, accessories, and travel essentials, all retaining the hallmark quality and elegance the brand is known for.
Today, Globe-Trotter remains a leading name in luxury travel, offering a blend of innovation, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship. Its products continue to be sought after by discerning travellers and collectors, making Globe-Trotter a symbol of British luxury and the art of fine luggage-making.
Conclusion
These brands exemplify Britain’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship while influencing global fashion and lifestyle. By blending traditional techniques with modern innovation, they embody the enduring appeal of British heritage.
Their timeless designs, attention to detail, and adaptability continue to shape global trends, reinforcing the value of British craftsmanship in the luxury sector.
